MS 261 C-MQ
- $729.95DSRP

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The same great MS 261, but with advanced STIHL M-Tronic™ and STIHL Quickstop® Plus technologies.

The MS 261 C-MQ features low emissions, high fuel efficiency and the advanced STIHL M-Tronic™ engine management system and STIHL Quickstop® Plus chain braking system. STIHL M-Tronic™ digitally monitors changes in elevation and temperature, then automatically adjusts for maximum performance across a wide range of cutting conditions. The MS 261 C-MQ also features redesigned cylinders and a slimmer, ...Read More

Model Features

STIHL M-Tronic™ This product features M-Tronic™ (M) - a new generation of Intelligent Engine Management that eliminates the low and high speed carburetor adjustment screws, compensates for dirty air filter and changes in elevation and fuel quality for optimum engine power at all times.

Pre-Separation Air Filtration SystemThis time-saving technology boosts the efficiency of the engine’s filter system, doubling the time between air filter cleanings. Air drawn into the engine is first separated via centrifugal force, ejecting the heavier dirt particles before being routed to the air filter. This pre-separation means less dirt to be captured by the air filter, resulting in less frequent cleaning and maintenance.

STIHL Quickstop® Plus (Q) - an additional chain braking featureSTIHL offers an additional, manually-activated chain brake on some models. This system is designed to engage when the operator’s right hand completely releases the rear handle, stopping the chain within one second. Available on some models.

STIHL recommends the use of green reduced kickback bars and green low kickback chains on all STIHL chainsaws.

* The actual listed guide bar length can vary from the effective cutting length based on which powerhead it is installed on.

Note: STIHL recommends use of fuel with no more than 10% Ethanol content. Using fuel with greater than 10% Ethanol content may cause damage to your equipment and may void your STIHL warranty. Learn More…

WARNING! Improper use of any power tool may cause serious
or fatal injury. Read, understand and follow carefully the operating
and safety instructions in your instruction manual before using such products.

STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the United States only.

We Also Suggest

HP Ultra is a fully synthetic 2-cycle engine oil specially suited for high performance chainsaws and power tools. This oil has outstanding engine cleaning characteristics, plus “ultra” superior lubricating qualities in comparison to other 2-cycle engine oils. It is ideal for use in STIHL 4-MIX® engines. This oil is biodegradable, degrading by 80% in 21 days.

•2.6 oz. bottle makes 1 gallon mix

•5.2 oz. bottle makes 2 gallon mix

•6.4 oz. bottle makes 2 1/2 gallon mix

•12.8 oz. bottle makes 5 gallon mix

STIHL recommends a mix of 50:1 high-quality 89 octane or higher unleaded gasoline to STIHL engine oil. This same mix ratio should be used during break-in.

For Your Safety

If you are a tree care or emergency service professional working along roadways, we recommend the Pro Mark™ Hi-Vis Zip Chaps. They combine full wrap-around lower leg protection with high-visibility nylon fabric that meets Class E reflective requirements and earns a Class 3 reflective rating when worn with the Class 2 reflective vest. The chaps also feature reflective tapes made from Reflexite Brilliance Series GP-340, making them visible by motorists traveling up to 50 mph. Inside, there are nine layers of
Avertic™ Pro by Engtex® cut retardant material, helping reduce the risk or severity of injury in the event of contact with a rotating saw chain on a gasoline-powered chainsaw. Rows of heavy-duty zippers run along the entire inseam of the chaps, helping to ensure they are an effective fit and are easy to put on and/or remove. Stop by our showroom today and check out these versatile chaps.

Durable and hardworking, STIHL Pro Mark™ Dynamic Gloves deliver professional-grade hand protection. The palm and inner fingers are made of full grain tanned leather, so you can work with comfort without sacrificing a firm hold. Featuring multiple layers of cut-retardant materials – Avertic® Pro and Dyneema fabrics by Engtex® – these gloves will help deliver protection without compromising the dexterity you need while operating a chainsaw. Accented with an orange rip-stop nylon backing, these dynamic gloves offer style and protection. Water repellant, breathable and featuring a Velcro wrist closure, STIHL Pro Mark™ Dynamic Gloves are as ready for the woods as you.

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Distributor Suggested Retail Price

All pricing on this site is Distributor Suggested Retail Price. This site strives to maintain accurate and current suggested retail pricing. However, dealers' actual prices may vary or change. Please confirm pricing with your dealer

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MS 261 C-MQ Description

The MS 261 C-MQ features low emissions, high fuel efficiency and the advanced STIHL M-Tronic™ engine management system and STIHL Quickstop® Plus chain braking system. STIHL M-Tronic™ digitally monitors changes in elevation and temperature, then automatically adjusts for maximum performance across a wide range of cutting conditions. The MS 261 C-MQ also features redesigned cylinders and a slimmer, ergonomic housing for an impressive power-to-weight ratio. The saw also features STIHL Quickstop® Plus, an additional chain braking feature designed to stop the chain in less than one second when you completely release the rear handle. See it for yourself in our Dealership today.

MS 261 C-MQ

MS 261 C-MQ

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MS 261 C-MQ is rated 4.5 out of 5 by 15.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Jeremy2702 from Best safety features for firefightersMy department bought this saw for its power size and weight, but I recommended that we get the C-MQ for its hand guard mounted brake. Before this saw I had some worries about lesser expirenced firefighters getting hurt when clearing trees from roadways and during brush fires. Now I worry less about the saw and more about the operators. Time for more training.

Date published: 2017-07-06

Rated 1 out of 5 by 026wasbetter from and another m-tronic with a hot start issue...Was the perfect saw until the m-tronic hot start issue appeared. Google m-tronic hot start and see what I'm talking about. Other than that critical flaw, it's an awesome saw. I run a 20" bar and a rapid super chain. Cuts like crazy, but forget it restarting when it's hot.

Date published: 2017-04-18

Rated 5 out of 5 by Rutabaga from Great saw, that is lightweight, has plenty of power, and starts reliably.Took the saw to Northern Michigan and it preformed wonderfully. Its starts easily and has plenty of power. Used it on Ash, Oak, and forty foot pines trees. It is light weight even with the 20 inch bar I had installed. Used it at home yesterday and it started with one pull. I wish I had this saw twenty years ago it would have saved much frustration. Great saw.

Date published: 2017-04-12

Rated 5 out of 5 by FottralM from I'm amazed every time I use my MS261CI really don't leave reviews very often for anything but I really feel compelled to leave a review for my MS261C chainsaw. I grew up on a farm with lots of woods and we always used Stihl saws to cut wood for our wood stove. I moved back to Iowa and now live close to that farm where my parents, now retired, still live. My Dad bought me the MS261C as a birthday present as we have a large woodstove in our new house and plenty of timber. I cut up a lot of wood as the house is big and the stove is the largest one I could find. This saw is just amazing. I used it in the hottest days of Iowa summers and on very cold winter days as well. The thing starts every time and it just is so versatile - perfect if you only really have one chainsaw. It cuts small stuff and large stuff, no problem. I cut oak, cherry, hickory, mulberry, walnut, elm... it just doesn't matter, it happily chews through it all. I just love the balance of power and weight - it seems lighter than it should considering the power. Anyway, I know I sound like a Stihl salesman maybe but it seems so typical to be let down by machines and appliances in this era of cheaply made stuff - seems so rare to buy something so well built that consistently works so well. It makes me so happy, knowing there are still products made that are clearly quality made and by a company that must still be passionate about what they make. I had to leave a review. Thanks.

Date published: 2017-02-20

Rated 3 out of 5 by Johnny1234 from Needs another 1 HPThis is not a bad saw, just not good enough to get the job done. You can cut small stuff all day with this saw, but when it comes to cutting a round off a 16 inch tree this saw struggles and boggs out. If it had just 15-20% more power it would be a winner. Conclusion, spend a little more and get something with about five horsepower.

Date published: 2017-02-04

Rated 3 out of 5 by fredo from not happynot dependable but when working a pleasure. If the starting issue was corrected i would say i love the saw.

Date published: 2017-01-22

Rated 5 out of 5 by Robert5454 from Great replacement for my old Wood Boss 028My last Stihl lasted 25 years and it was a difficult task to pick out a new saw. I choose the 261 and I could not be more pleased. Starts right up with plenty of power. Good nimble saw that preforms as expected.

Date published: 2016-08-26

Rated 5 out of 5 by Guncha91 from Exelent in every detail!Best chainsaw i ever work with!!!!! Before 261c i work with couple Husqwarna products but they are nothing compareing with Stihl!!!!!!!

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STIHL IS THE NUMBER ONE SELLING BRAND OF GASOLINE-POWERED HANDHELD OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT IN AMERICA.*

*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2016 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.

*A majority of STIHL gasoline-powered units sold in the United States are built in the United States from domestic and foreign parts and components.